OJR Band MS Chaperone Info:

Below is Chaperone Information. Chaperoning is not a difficult task. The information below will give you the guidelines that should be followed.

Security Clearances: In order to Chaperone, each chaperone needs the proper clearances. There are 2 forms. One has to be finished before you can submit the second. If you do not yet have your clearances, there is a one time waiver that can be used. I will have them available at any event. Yet, you will eventually need to get your clearances!

Clearance: A 2 step Process with about a 1 1/2 month or less turn around.
First, fill out the State Police form "Request For Criminal Record Check". Here is the link: http://www.psp.state.pa.us/psp/lib/psp/sp4-164.pdf

Then, Once you receive the approval paperwork, make a copy of it and send it to the state along with a completed "Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance" form. Make sure you check the box "Volunteers" on that form when submitting it.
http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ocyf/ocyfChildAbuseHistInst.asp.
If you are unable to download or print these forms. Let me know and I'll mail one out ASAP.

There is a fee of $10.00 for each form. Money Orders only, no checks.

Note: This requirement for the school is needed for any chaperone or volunteer. Therefore, you can use it for 'any' school activity to which you may be involved in which you are volunteering or chaperoning. The school does not require this to be renewed each year. As far as I know, you only have to do this once.

Chaperone Information
Band, Chorus, Orchestra Competition
What To Wear? CHAPERONE ATTIRE: Owen J. Roberts chaperones should wear a red shirt or white turtle neck, black pants, black socks and shoes to identify themselves so they can immediately be recognized as part of our group. If available, Red windbreakers or T-shirts may be borrowed from the Director, but MUST be returned at the end of each event.

SUPERVISION AND CROWD CONTROL: We have a large group of students and at times it becomes necessary to mobilize them rather quickly. It is important for chaperones to help with getting the kids quiet so they can hear the instruction. Equally important is to make sure our group moves as a unit - NO STRAGGLERS! If you see someone who is not following the groups or who is fooling around and not paying attention, please go up to that person and let them know about it. Of course, if they give you any problems, bring it to the Director’s attention. The students are told to listen to the chaperones and do what they are told – if this becomes a problem, let the Director know. Any time a student is obviously breaking a rule or becoming to loud, it is within your authority to deal with the situation. AT NO TIME ARE CHAPERONES TO MANHANDLE, TOUCH, OR PHYSICAL DISCIPLINE A STUDENT!

BUS TRIPS AND AWAY EVENTS: A large part of the “fun” for students is the actual bus ride to and from the event. While we all want to see the kids having a good time, it is important to make sure things do not get out of control. Chaperones should scatter themselves throughout the bus. One group of chaperones should sit in the rear of the bus, while some may sit in the middle and others in the front. Often, your mere presence will deter any attempt at misbehavior. Students are permitted to cheer, sing, and show spirit on the bus as long as it does not get out of hand. Vulgarity or swearing will not be tolerated. You, along with the bus driver, need to determine if the students are being too loud or noisy. Students are NOT permitted to hang out of the windows.

After we arrive at our destination, please do NOT let students exit the bus until the Director gives the “OK.” After students are off the bus, assist the Director in mobilizing them into groups so that everyone will know where to go, how to get there, and what else needs to be done.

EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT: Another important aid a chaperone can provide is in equipment management. People are needed to help transport equipment on and off the buses and trailer. Any help you can give to the students is appreciated by those students and by the Director.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES: Occasionally a situation arises that needs chaperone involvement. A first aid kit is ALWAYS carried on one of the buses wherever we go. This kit contains items to treat minor problems. As a point of information, Dr. Huggens has current certification in First Aid and CPR.

AMUSEMENT PARK TRIPS: CHAPERONE AND STUDENT GROUPS MUST STAY TOGETHER AT ALL TIMES. NO STUDENT SHOULD BE WANDERING THE PARK ALONE!!! This means that chaperones must accompany the group to each ride, snack stand, or potty break. Chaperones should know where their students are at all times (because they are with them). Chaperones should always be aware of the time of day so we can easily facilitate the attendance check-in times. Chaperones will bring their group of students to the appointed check-in location at the appropriate time. After checking in with the Director, the group is then free to go to other places in the Park until the next check-in time arrives.

Children are our most precious commodity. You need to take your position as a Chaperone very seriously. You are representing the Owen J. Roberts School District as well as the state of Pennsylvania. Everyone should behave accordingly.

CHAPERONE INSTRUCTIONS

1. TAKE A HEAD COUNT!!!!
- in the morning before we leave
- aboard the buses after the concert performance
- aboard the buses after the parade performance
- aboard the buses before we leave the park for home

2. NO ONE GETS OFF THE BUS UNLESS THE HEAD CHAPERONE OR MS. HUGGENS TELLS YOU TO LET THEM OFF THE BUS. This is a very strict rule. In case of emergency, a chaperone may come to bus #1 for approval to let the kids off.

3. BUS BEHAVIOR
- no instrument playing on the bus
- no drumming of any kind|
- no loud talking or screaming
- no running (yes, I’ve seen running on a bus)
- If it doesn’t have earphones, they can’t play it
- If it does have earphones and you can still hear the music, do them and yourself a favor
tell them to turn it down!!

4. There will be trash bags in the front of the bus and the back of the bus. Tell the kids to use
them!! Pour all liquid out in the restroom before throwing cans into the trash bags.

5. Make yourself available for any of the kids who may need help with uniforms, instruments, or reassurance.

6. PARADE INFORMATION
- check through the band to be sure hats are on straight
- hat straps need to be buckled, not hanging
- cords go on the RIGHT shoulder
- collar should be buttoned

7. Chaperones should help with loading and unloading all equipment, especially the
chimes and percussion instruments, since these weigh quite a bit.

8. Remember, these are someone else’s kids, please treat them accordingly.
 

TO ALL CHAPERONES............................THANK YOU FOR DOING A SUPER JOB!!!! (Dr. Huggens)